Not since DEC Alpha did Windows support an alternative client processor instruction set.

FORBES: Why Windows 8 is Microsoft's Biggest Risk Ever

Apple would need to build a 64-bit processor compatible with the ARM instruction set, a project that could take years.

FORBES: Reality Check: No, Apple Has Not Already Dumped Intel For ARM

The announcement parallels a move Apple made in 2010 from Intel processors to its own ARM-based A4 smartphone processor for its line of Apple TV set top boxes.

FORBES: Marvell Processors Designed Into Next-Generation Google TV

In addition, Fujitsu (otc: FJTSY - news - people ) has designed its own chip set working with the Intel processor to raise performance and reliability for both 32-bit and 64-bit computing, Itanium's specialty.

FORBES: Fujitsu's Big Server Play

You did take that money set aside for your next preamp-processor upgrade out of the stock market didn't you?

ENGADGET: Anthem makes a statement with its flagship D2v pre-pro HD

The Brahma15 is a 21, 000 DMIP Quad-core ARMv7-A instruction set compatible multiprocessor. 32KB instruction and 32KB data caches per processor are backed by a shared 2MB L2 cache and feed the multi-issue, out-of-order superscalar 15-stage plus write back pipeline of the Brahma15.

ENGADGET: Broadcom's new ARM-based chip boosts Ultra HD TV into living rooms of the future

The XO comes with a word processor, PDF viewer, Firefox web browser, media player, drawing tools plus the usual set of utilities.

ECONOMIST: The $100 laptop is fast becoming a reality

Users can quickly and easily make professional edits to their photos using the integrated 'Photo Wizard' a comprehensive set of 35 photo editing tools powered by the GALAXY Camera's ultrafast quad-core processor.

ENGADGET: Samsung Galaxy Camera reaches Canada on December 7th with carrier-independent 3G

It combines an Arduino-compatible processor with a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a 3-axis accelerometer, a joystick, a set of pushbuttons, a slider, an RGB LED, and a buzzer.

ENGADGET: Arduino Esplora helps you learn microcontrollers without the pesky breadboard